In Defense of Looting

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In Defense of Looting: A Riotous History of Uncivil Action
In Defense of Looting.jpg
First edition
AuthorVicky Osterweil
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
PublisherVerso Books
Publication date
September 17, 2019[1]

In Defense of Looting: A Riotous History of Uncivil Action is a 2019 book by Vicky Osterweil and published by Bold Type Books[2] Osterweil wrote the book in response to the Ferguson unrest in 2014 and 2015.[3]

In the book, Osterweil argues that looting is a tool that results in positive change to society and that looting helps redistribute property and wealth in an unequal society, which she calls "fighting racial capitalism." Osterweil also observes in the book that "those who participate in rioting and looting tend to be the most politically informed and socially engaged in the neighborhood".[2][4]

Osterweil denounces nonviolence in the book, stating that when it is "pushed as a philosophical, moral, or religious principle, it gains a nasty, authoritarian edge." She also denounces local politicians and political groups who advocate for limiting looting during uprisings.[4]

Reception[]

In a September 2020 review, Graeme Wood, a staff writer for The Atlantic, called the book "The Pinnacle of Looting Apologia", saying that "If the real, lasting change you wish to effect is burning society to cinders and crippling for a generation its ability to serve its poorest citizens, then I suppose I am forced to agree."[5]

References[]

  1. ^ A provocative refutation of the Good Protester / Bad Rioter dichotomy Retrieved 12/7/21.
  2. ^ a b Escobar, Natalie (August 27, 2020). "One Author's Controversial View: 'In Defense Of Looting'". NPR. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  3. ^ Fallon, Claire (August 25, 2020). "Are Looters Undermining The Movement — Or Creating It?". HuffPost. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  4. ^ a b Chotiner, Isaac (September 3, 2020). "Examining Vicky Osterweil's Case for Looting". The New Yorker. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  5. ^ Wood, Graeme (September 2, 2020). "The Pinnacle of Looting Apologia". The Atlantic. Retrieved March 26, 2021.

Further reading[]

External link[]

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